Hands-on training with our industry-leading team of globally recognized trainers. From polishing to sanding, the RUPES BigFoot Detailing Academy has the equipment and the staff to host a training for any skill level from beginners to advanced techniques. Classes are conducted regularly and are a combination of both private and public events. For more information on upcoming training opportunities see the schedule below or to request a tour please contact us.
The BigFoot Academy is located inside the RUPES USA Headquarters in picturesque Louisville, Colorado – just 30 minutes from Denver International Airport and less than 10 miles from the base of the Rocky Mountains.
The BigFoot Academy includes a professional classroom with multiple high definition displays, comfortable seating, and smart touchpanels for a fully immersive and hi-tech educational experience.
Hands-on training is at the core of what we do. The BigFoot Academy has a massive practical application space where we can coach students on any aspect of polishing or sanding. Whether you’re a beginner attending one of our introductory level classes or a seasoned professional looking to expand on your existing skills every class includes substantial hands-on training time.
It isn’t just a demonstration, its training. Our team has decades of industry experience and they’re all enthusiastic about sharing that with our students. Utilizing a combination of classroom theory reinforced by one-on-one coaching in each session guarantees the highest possibility for our students to succeed.
We take training seriously. When you attend a training at the BigFoot Academy don’t expect a sales pitch on products, we’re here to make sure you leave with new skills and a better understanding of the techniques required to be successful.
RUPES manufactures the highest quality, most complete line of professional polishing solutions on the market today and while at the BigFoot Academy you have access to our entire range of polishing systems.
We do more than just detail training. RUPES has been a leader in the bodyshop industry for over 70 years manufacturing premium sanders and dust extraction systems. Whether you specialize in collision repair, repainting, or customization we have training and solutions that can make your shop safer, healthier, and more efficient.
RUPES is a Founding Member and strong supporter of the International Detailing Association and their mission. The BigFoot Academy regularly hosts certification classes for technicians looking to get their IDA accreditations.
Students attending classes from out-of-town have access to the RUPES corporate rate at our host hotel, the Omni Interlocken Resort. This luxurious resort and spa property is located just a few minutes from RUPES USA headquarters and with the RUPES discounts provides an economical and convenient solution for visitors to the BigFoot Academy.
When your training is done don’t forget to take in some of the incredible sights the state of Colorado has to offer. Head west from RUPES into nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, south into Denver, visit iconic downtown Boulder or visit one of the states world-renowned craft breweries.
Classes at the BigFoot Academy are in high demand and not all sessions are open to the public. Please consult the schedule below for our current class roster and availability. If a class has already booked up or you don’t see the class you want, don’t panic! Waitlists are forming now for the upcoming year. Click the GET NOTIFIED link below to receive inbox notifications when new classes are announced and get first access to registration.
march
Join us for an IDA Meet & Greet event at the RUPES USA BigFoot Detailing Academy. This event is open to both IDA members and non-members and is FREE! Mix
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Join us for an IDA Meet & Greet event at the RUPES USA BigFoot Detailing Academy. This event is open to both IDA members and non-members and is FREE! Mix and mingle with fellow professional detailers in the state-of-the-art RUPES USA headquarters. Refreshments will be provided. Pre-register for chances to win RUPES swag and other prizes.
UPDATE – bring your appetite! We’re providing beverages and snacks, but if you need a bit more delicious food from El Taco Bron food truck will be available for purchase. See the menu
(Friday) 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm MST
09mar9:00 am4:00 pmIDA Certification EventHosted by RUPES at the US BigFoot Detailing Academy
The IDA Certified Detailer (CD) and Skills Validated (SV) program is a culmination of the cooperative efforts of industry leaders specializing in the detailing industry. The multi-phased program evaluates and develops
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The IDA Certified Detailer (CD) and Skills Validated (SV) program is a culmination of the cooperative efforts of industry leaders specializing in the detailing industry. The multi-phased program evaluates and develops a detailer’s technical knowledge and proficiency. Successful completion of the first phase (Phase I), consisting of ten written exams, will grant the detailer the title of IDA Certified Detailer. Successful completion of a higher-level second phase (Phase II), consisting of hands-on assessments, will award the detailer a title of IDA Certified Detailer, Skills Validated (IDA CD-SV).
This certification event will be led by Jason Rose, IDA CD-SV-RT and Global Director of Training for RUPES. SPACE IS LIMITED!
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MST
A unique opportunity for members of the Obsessed Garage community to come together for a multi-day advanced paint correction training. Unlike previous OG events at RUPES USA this event will
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A unique opportunity for members of the Obsessed Garage community to come together for a multi-day advanced paint correction training. Unlike previous OG events at RUPES USA this event will be limited to a smaller group to permit MAXIMUM hands-on and one-on-one training with Jason Rose and Dylan von Kleist for RUPES USA. Whether you are a professional trying to improve your results or efficiency or just an enthusiast who wants to achieve the best possible results on your own cars this class offers the chance to learn from some of the very best in the detailing industry in a state-of-the-art facility.
11 (Monday) 9:00 am - 13 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm MST
A unique opportunity for members of the Obsessed Garage community to come together for a multi-day advanced paint correction training. Unlike previous OG events at RUPES USA this event will
more
A unique opportunity for members of the Obsessed Garage community to come together for a multi-day advanced paint correction training. Unlike previous OG events at RUPES USA this event will be limited to a smaller group to permit MAXIMUM hands-on and one-on-one training with Jason Rose and Dylan von Kleist for RUPES USA. Whether you are a professional trying to improve your results or efficiency or just an enthusiast who wants to achieve the best possible results on your own cars this class offers the chance to learn from some of the very best in the detailing industry in a state-of-the-art facility.
13 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - 15 (Friday) 4:00 pm MST
april
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS. Take your paint perfecting skills to the next level! The BigFoot Academy 2-Day Advanced Sanding & Polishing Training Course is
more
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Take your paint perfecting skills to the next level! The BigFoot Academy 2-Day Advanced Sanding & Polishing Training Course is hosted by RUPES USA in the BigFoot Detailing Academy located near beautiful Denver, Colorado. Limited to just 10-students, this intensive course will be conducted by our world-class training team and will feature a mix of both classroom instruction and hands-on training. This class will focus on proper sanding technique to remove texture and severe paint defects, as well as refining paint correction techniques for improved efficiency and results. In addition to the training, the students will also be given a behind-the-scenes tour of the RUPES USA facility and have a chance to see the manufacturing of BigFoot polishers up close.
THIS CLASS IS RECOMMENDED FOR PROFESSIONALS ONLY. Students must have a working knowledge of paint correction and be proficient in the use of random orbital polishers at the very minimum. Students should be comfortable with the basics of sanding techniques. There will be no novice-level instruction included.
A registration fee of $850 per student is required in advance, no payments will be accepted at the door. Lunch will be provided for each day of the class and each student will receive a certificate of completion, a collection of limited edition RUPES merchandise, product samples, and other BigFoot Academy exclusives.
This class will sell out! Don’t miss your opportunity to learn at the premier training facility in the US; The RUPES BigFoot Detailing Academy.
Lead instructor: Jason Rose | Global Director of Training
april 11 (Thursday) - 12 (Friday) MST
The CD designation is a great achievement and demonstrates a basic mastery of the knowledge and applied skills needed by the detailing professional. The pride of earning the CD designation
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The CD designation is a great achievement and demonstrates a basic mastery of the knowledge and applied skills needed by the detailing professional. The pride of earning the CD designation places that detailing professional among a group at the top of their profession. Phase II (the Skills Validated tests) represents the four primary categories that each candidate must demonstrate their “hands-on” ability to perform. The detailer must perform each phase of the testing on their own, and meet the minimum proficiency expected in order to pass. The exam is presented in a scenario-type format to afford the detailer the opportunity to demonstrate the abilities expected of the advanced detailing professional.
Phase II Skills Validation testing demonstrates hands-on skills and in-person testing by an IDA Recognized Trainer (RT) in areas covered in the written exams: Wash Bay/Prep, Interior, Exterior Correction, and Finishing Steps. Each portion of the test will be a one-on-one teacher to student session.
This Skills Validated (Phase II) event will be led by Jason Rose, IDA CD-SV-RT / Global Director of Training for RUPES and Jason Bjorneboe, IDA CD-SV-RT
SPACE IS LIMITED TO 6 REGISTRANTS! Please note that you must have already completed/passed your CD (Phase I) IDA Certification prior to participation in the SV Phase II exam.
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 3:00 pm MST
This one-day session is a condensed training focused entirely on improving polishing techniques for both efficiency and results. Perfect for anyone who has polished before but needs help improving their
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This one-day session is a condensed training focused entirely on improving polishing techniques for both efficiency and results. Perfect for anyone who has polished before but needs help improving their technique or anyone looking for professional instruction on the various polishing systems before choosing their first polishing tool. The class will cover the overall process of paint correction from priming thru finishing.
Registration for this class will be limited to just 30 students. Cost for the class is $99. Lunch will be provided and each student will receive a collection of samples and gifts from the RUPES USA team along with a certificate of completion for the training.
Lead Instructor: Jason Rose, Global Director of Training for RUPES | IDA CD-SV-RT
Assistant Instructor: Dylan von Kleist, Marketing Manager for RUPES USA | IDA CD-SV
(Tuesday) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm MST
may
Mark your calendars! Jeremy Stevens of Shine Supply is coming to Colorado for a one of a kind training session in the BigFoot Academy. Details will be provided soon, stay
Mark your calendars! Jeremy Stevens of Shine Supply is coming to Colorado for a one of a kind training session in the BigFoot Academy. Details will be provided soon, stay tuned!
may 2 (Thursday) - 3 (Friday) MST
july
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS. Take your paint perfecting skills to the next level! The BigFoot Academy 2-Day Advanced Sanding & Polishing Training Course is
more
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT. STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Take your paint perfecting skills to the next level! The BigFoot Academy 2-Day Advanced Sanding & Polishing Training Course is hosted by RUPES USA in the BigFoot Detailing Academy located near beautiful Denver, Colorado. Limited to just 10-students, this intensive course will be conducted by our world-class training team and will feature a mix of both classroom instruction and hands-on training. This class will focus on proper sanding technique to remove texture and severe paint defects, as well as refining paint correction techniques for improved efficiency and results. In addition to the training, the students will also be given a behind-the-scenes tour of the RUPES USA facility and have a chance to see the manufacturing of BigFoot polishers up close.
THIS CLASS IS RECOMMENDED FOR PROFESSIONALS ONLY. Students must have a working knowledge of paint correction and be proficient in the use of random orbital polishers at the very minimum. Students should be comfortable with the basics of sanding techniques. There will be no novice-level instruction included.
A registration fee of $850 per student is required in advance, no payments will be accepted at the door. Lunch will be provided for each day of the class and each student will receive a certificate of completion, a collection of limited edition RUPES merchandise, product samples, and other BigFoot Academy exclusives.
This class will sell out! Don’t miss your opportunity to learn at the premier training facility in the US; The RUPES BigFoot Detailing Academy.
Lead instructor: Jason Rose | Global Director of Training
july 25 (Thursday) - 26 (Friday) MST
september
19sepAll Day20COMING SOON: Advanced 2-Day ClassHosted by RUPES USA in the BigFoot Academy
Interest lists are forming for the 2019 schedule. To be notified when registration for this or other BigFoot Detailing Academy events are open for registration CLICK HERE to join
Interest lists are forming for the 2019 schedule. To be notified when registration for this or other BigFoot Detailing Academy events are open for registration CLICK HERE to join the interest list.
september 19 (Thursday) - 20 (Friday) MST
Jason Rose is widely recognized as one of the preeminent authorities on automotive surface care. With decades of experience as a trainer and technician, he develops and manages the content for our training center and deploys training programs for RUPES around the world. With help from our highly skilled team of trainers around the world Jason crafts training content for each class that includes both classroom learning and practical/hands-on sessions.
With 20 years in the detailing industry, Dylan von Kleist heads up marketing for RUPES USA and assists with trainings at our Colorado facility. His experience as a trainer, technician, and product development manager make him a valuable addition to training sessions. Dylan manages tours and training experiences at the Academy.
Todd Helme has become a fixture in the detailing industry thanks to his incredible talent as a detailer and insatiable quest to understand the technical aspects of automotive surface restoration and preservation. With extensive experience as the owner/operator of a high end detailing business and a technical authority for multiple brands on the supplier side of the business Todd’s position as an authority on automotive surface care is well established. As the Senior Technical Advisor for RUPES USA he travels North America and the Caribbean training technicians on processes ranging from paint polishing to panel preparation. While Todd may not be present for every training event in the BigFoot Academy his expertise and input are a part of all the training materials presented to students.
We are located at:
531 S Taylor Ave,
Louisville, CO 80027
General information:
info@rupesusa.com
Sales & Customer Service:
orders@rupesusa.com
Marketing & Media Inquiries:
marketing@rupesusa.com
